Luke 2:52 (NKJV)
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Daniel 1:17 (NKJV)
“As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom.”

Daniel 1:20 (NKJV)
“And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.”

Psalm 90:17 (NKJV)
“And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us and establish the work of our hands for us.”

Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV)
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.”

Increase is one of the pieces of evidence of healthy growth. Luke 2:52 tells us that Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” This reveals that growth is not meant to be accidental or one-dimensional. As we walk with God, there should be visible development in our understanding, character, capacity, competence, relationships, and influence. Where there is life, there should be growth.

Wisdom is essential to meaningful increase. Daniel and his friends were placed in an environment where excellence was required, and Scripture says that God gave them “knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom.” God did not merely give them opportunities; He gave them the capacity to function effectively within those opportunities. It is one thing for a door to open; it is another thing to possess the wisdom required to succeed when you enter it.

Daniel 1:20 says they were found “ten times better” in matters of wisdom and understanding. This shows us that spiritual people should not be afraid of competence and excellence. Our relationship with God should inspire us to learn, develop, prepare, and become better at what He has placed in our hands. Prayer does not replace preparation, and favor does not eliminate the need for excellence.

Increasing in stature also means becoming capable of carrying more. Greater opportunities usually bring greater responsibilities. If our capacity does not grow, what should be a blessing can become overwhelming. God therefore develops our character, discipline, knowledge, emotional maturity, and ability to work effectively with others. Before enlargement becomes visible around us, there is often enlargement taking place within us.

Proverbs 22:29 connects excellence with access: “He will stand before kings.” Diligence and competence can bring a person before places and people they could not ordinarily access. When preparation meets opportunity and God’s favor rests upon your efforts, new possibilities can emerge.

Favor is not merely receiving things without effort. Favor is God’s gracious hand upon your life, causing your efforts to receive recognition, acceptance, assistance, and opportunities. Favor can connect you with the right people, bring your work before the right eyes, and cause doors to open at the right time. But when favor opens the door, wisdom, character, and competence help you remain effective behind that door.

Psalm 90:17 says, “Establish the work of our hands.” We should desire more than temporary success. We should desire that God establish what we do. When His favor rests upon our work and we apply ourselves with wisdom and excellence, our efforts can produce lasting results.

Therefore, never stop developing yourself. Ask God for greater wisdom but also remain teachable. Pray for favor, but continue improving your competence. Believe for greater opportunities but enlarge your capacity to handle them. Do not only desire the next level; become prepared for the demands of the next level.

You are not remaining where you were. Your understanding is increasing. Your capacity is expanding. Your competence is developing. Your character is becoming stronger, and God’s favor is establishing the work of your hands. You are increasing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and men.

DAILY APPLICATION

Look at the opportunities and responsibilities you are believing God for and ask yourself, “What must increase in me to handle what I am asking God to bring to me?” Identify one area of knowledge, skill, discipline, character, or competence that needs development, and deliberately work on it today. Pray for favor but also prepare yourself for the opportunities that favor will bring.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Father, thank You for Your desire to see me grow and increase. Give me greater wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment. Enlarge my capacity and help me develop the character, discipline, and competence required for greater responsibilities. Let Your favor rest upon me and establish the work of my hands. Connect me with the right people and position me for the right opportunities. Help me to be prepared for every door You open before me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

FAITH CONFESSION

I INCREASE IN WISDOM, STATURE, AND FAVOR! God gives me wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and skill. My capacity is increasing, my competence is developing, and I function with excellence. The favor of God rests upon me and establishes the work of my hands. I am prepared for greater responsibilities and positioned for greater opportunities. I find favor with God and with the right people. I grow, advance, improve, and become more effective every day. I INCREASE IN WISDOM, STATURE, AND FAVOR WITH GOD AND MEN!